UNS — Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta sent Semeru Rescue Team to Lumajang District, East Java, on Sunday (5/12/2021). The Team was sent to hold the evacuation process and evacuees after the eruption of Mount Semeru on Saturday (4/12/2021).
The Team consists of ten members: three volunteers from Badan Koordinasi Pelaksana (Bakorlak) SAR UNS, five volunteers from the Faculty of Medical Science (FK) UNS, and two volunteers from the Alumni Association (IKA) UNS. The sendoff ceremony was held symbolically by the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo, in the lobby of dr. Prakosa Rectorate Building.
On this occasion, he stated that the Team would conduct a ten-day operation and would come back to Solo to be replaced by a different Team. To support the evacuation process at the eruption-impacted areas, the Team was equipped with two cars, one ambulance, 3,000 face masks, three jerrycans of disinfectant, seven oxygen cylinders, and medicines.
“The disaster-affected areas are locations that are not conducive. I really hope and truly ask you, please keep your Team member, stay healthy, stay together, and stay safe,” Prof. Kuncoro stated.
To the volunteers, the Vice-Rector mentioned that their departure to the eruption-affected areas had been supported by many people, including local IKA UNS. The Semeru Rescue Team will receive a home base facility in several houses and clinics to be set as their posts that support their mobility during the evacuation process.
“We have alumni there who will provide house and clinic as your home base. Use the posts as best as you can to support our operation, where our cars go today, where our Team goes today. These vehicles are vital,” Prof. Kuncoro stated.
On the same occasion, the Chief of Operation Division Bakorlak SAR UNS Agung Nugeroho reminded the volunteers to stay safe, especially considering that there are areas with no connectivity and the danger of volcanic mudflow continues to threaten certain areas.
“I hope all of you who will be in the field keep maintaining your movement, always report, for example, if any of you about to go somewhere, make sure there are people to oversee. Protect one another,” Agung Nugeroho added.
The Team will depart to Surabaya using the toll road in a three-hour journey, then departing to Leces Subdistrict, Probolinggo District before entering Lumajang District. Humas UNS
Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti